Rich Paul's brand Klutch Athletics by New Balance has landed a major coup in college basketball, signing Kentucky star and projected 2024 top-five pick Justin Edwards to an NIL deal.
Edwards has become the first NIL athlete and first basketball player to sign with the brand created by NBA star agent Paul, and joins NFL players Will Anderson Jr. (Houston Texans) and Chase Young (San Francisco 49ers).
Currently starring for the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA, Edwards is considered by many to be one of the top prospects in the 2024 draft, and said that Klutch Athletics by New Balance is the perfect place for him to start as a professional athlete.
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"It means so much to me to join Klutch Athletics and be the first college athlete and first basketball player on the roster,” Edwards said via a press release.
“I love the way the brand is blending performance with style, giving me something equally effective for training or relaxing.
"Joining Klutch Athletics and New Balance is such a unique opportunity, I can’t wait to get started."
Who is Justin Edwards?
Justin Edwards is a freshman college basketball player, who currently plays for the Kentucky Wildcats.
BREAKING: Rich Paul’s Klutch Athletics by New Balance brand has signed Kentucky star Justin Edwards as its 1st NIL athlete. 📄✍️
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) November 13, 2023
“It means so much to me to join Klutch Athletics and be the first college athlete & first basketball player on the roster,” says Edwards. pic.twitter.com/eWR1RwIMJ0
Standing 6-8, Edwards was a five-star recruit and an All-American in high school, before joining John Calipari's squad, where he currently averages 14 points and six rebounds per game, shooting 52.4% from the field.
He is currently considered to be a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA draft, according to mock drafts from ESPN, The Athletic, and Bleacher Report.
What is Klutch Athletics by New Balance?
Klutch Athletics is a sportswear brand created by sports agent Rich Paul in conjunction with footwear and apparel brand New Balance.
Founded in 2023, the brand's aim was to "support and serve all athletes throughout their athletic journey including youth, collegiate and professional sports," according to a press release.
While Klutch Athletic had already made significant signings in the NFL sphere, Justin Edwards represents the first of what will likely be many basketball players signed to the brand.